Aggie Insider: We Are Aggies First

"This afternoon I assumed command of evening flag detail at Texas A&M University as Executive Officer of my unit. As I marched in front of my block of 15, we came around the bend of the Oceanography building to a scene of hundreds of members of fraternities and sororities partying on the steps of the Administration Building. As we approached the main flag pole that bears our nation's flag and that of the state of Texas, we were welcomed with an uproar of boos and curses by hundreds of members of Greek life.

Upon arriving at the main flag, I sent squads of 3 to the smaller flags that encircle the plaza. As myself and a squad of 4 stepped up to the main pole, it was covered with members of some fraternity partying and dancing. Luckily, College Station PD, actually respecting our university and nation, dispersed the Greeks who were reluctant to leave and shouted obscenities at myself and my cadets as they walked away. While the flags were lowered I brought my saber to present arms, keeping an eye on the flag to make sure it was lowered properly.

Despite harassment from countless members of Greek life, my cadets were able to properly retire our nation's colors and reform the block. Despite being insulted and having items thrown at them, they kept their military bearing and executed our purpose for crashing the Greek party... the purpose of showing respect to the flag for which millions have laid down their lives to defend and a symbol of freedom and liberty for all.

I told my freshmen that they learned a valuable lesson today. While some others party and pay no real respect to the traditions of of Texas A&M University, we in the Corps of Cadets are the true keepers of the spirit. We will execute or duties and stand loyal to the purposes of Texas A&M and of the United States of America. I am proud to be a member of the Corps of Cadets which has taught me the values of selfless service, honor, integrity, and discipline.

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral. Returning violence with violence only multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars."

I respect and thank my freshmen and sophomores for maintaining their military bearing and standing true to our cause while being met with just less than violence. Good job, guys. You demonstrated to all those around you, including visiting fans from the University of Florida, what the true Aggie Spirit represents. — at Texas A&M University."

Jon Mueller, a senior Mathematics major at Texas A&M, is in the Corps of Cadets and was given the duty to take down the flags in front of the Administration building. Also happening at the same time at the Administration building was a very rowdy bid day for the fraternities at Texas A&M.

Bid day is an event that takes place for the new members of a fraternity. They receive their bids and officially become associated with that specific fraternity. It is a very special and important day for students who are joining a new organization that will be a part of them for the rest of their lives.

As the fraternities went about their festivities, Mueller attempted to lead his unit in taking down the flags of the United States and the State of Texas. He was, unfortunately, met with a rude welcoming.

Jon Mueller said on Facebook, “As we approached the main flag pole that bears our nation's flag and that of the state of Texas, we were welcomed with an uproar of boos and curses by hundreds of members of Greek life... As myself and a squad of 4 stepped up to the main pole, it was covered with members of some fraternity partying and dancing. Luckily, College Station PD… dispersed [those] who were reluctant to leave and shouted obscenities at myself and my cadets as they walked away.”

Jon went on to describe having objects pelted at him and his unit as they took down the flags. Once the cadets completed their task and were trying to march away, they were allegedly again harassed.

“Groups of Greek life members thought it would be funny to block our path” said Jon. He sternly told them to “make way for the flag” and proceeded to instruct his unit to walk on.

The Corps and fraternities at Texas A&M have always shared a rivalry with each other. I personally enjoy rivalries because they enhance competition, but I do not respect them when they involve vulgarity and harshness. Greek life and the Corps are an important part of this campus. Both are organizations that have deep-rooted traditions and are proud of who they are. That is why they thrive here at Texas A&M.

Putting aside Greek life and the Corps, no Aggie should treat another Aggie in the manner Mueller has described. Texas A&M is known for their family bond and this situation is not common.

It is definitely worth noting that there are two sides to every story and I understand that both sets of students were trying to indulge in their organization’s traditions.

No matter your rank, color, or the organization you’re affiliated with, we are Aggies first. We respect one another and that is a tradition that will never fade. I hope we can all learn a lesson from this experience and learn to appreciate one another for our differences and similarities.

After all, I’m sure if a Corps student took off their uniform and a guy in a fraternity took off his letters, they would still say “Howdy” to each other in passing.

What do you think about the Corps-Greek rivalry? Were you there on bid day? Tell us about it in the comments section!

***CW8 has not evaluated or verified the statements of Jon Mueller and fully believe there are two sides to every story. We believe, however, that the merit and importance of this story lie in its message, that all the students of Texas A&M are Aggies first.***

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